Thoughts from the Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Wednesday, 19 April 2023 08:56

The hope of a Christian
When our loved ones come to the end of their earthen journey there is rightfully much sadness. This sadness is mostly for ourselves. We were the greater because our loved one was with us, and we are at a loss because he or she is now gone. We all owe it to our families to leave them something when the time of our death comes. This something could be described with many different words: Peace of mind as opposed to emptiness and depression; Reassurance of a reunion as opposed to utter finality; Hope for tomorrow after a blessed resurrection. Our loved ones need to know that we died in full hope and assurance of eternal life with the Lord. Not only do we owe this to our loved ones, but we owe it to ourselves as well.

A Christian can die bravely and full of hope. The Word of God assures us that our ultimate joy and hope lies in the precious provision God has made for a life beyond the grave which is promised us in Jesus Christ. While there are many obstacles that one might have to cross in getting to that goal, the Holy Spirit wants us to see that the reward of eternal life is worth the endeavor. Bliss awaits the faithful. Thus, the Spirit has revealed to us in God’s Word these words of comfort and hope: 2 Cor 4:17-18 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

We Must Be Hopeful. There is rest for the weary. There is Hope in Christ Jesus. John The Revelator saw pictures of a new day dawning in a heavenly realm where saints would reign with God forever with no tears, no sorrow, and no pain. Peter calls this a Hope for “…an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Peter 1:4).

He further declares this hope and admonishes us to be prepared so we may enjoy it: (2 Peter 3:13-14) “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

John, the Revelator encourages us with these words: (Rev. 22:14) “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

The Apostle Paul spoke of the assurance he had in the Lord as he faced imminent death: (II Timothy 4:6-8) “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

The common denominator to all these words of hope are found in Revelation 14:13 and the phrase “die in the Lord.” “Revelation 14:13 (KJV) 13 “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

The author can be reached for comments at 256.574.2489.

-Terry Broome